There has been speculation surrounding Sherwood’s future beyond this campaign with Italy boss Cesare Prandelli and Netherlands boss Louis Van Gaal both being linked to the role.

Dembele has said the team has played better since Sherwood took up the managerial reigns. He said: “I think we’ve played better as a team and we’re all good in training. We’ve adjusted a few things that didn’t work for us, so we’re happy with this.

“Would I like him to stay long-term? That’s not for me to decide, but how it looks now I think the team has confidence, we’re playing much better and of course everybody’s happy. After that the club has to decide, but as a team right now I think we’re very happy.”

Vertonghen went down after an altercation with Dnipro’s Roman Zozulya, which meant Zozulya was given his marching orders and said they ‘had a thing’ for much of the game.

The Belgian defender is quoted, saying: “It was fair until then. We had some one on one duels. I walked into him and he gives me one. Then I go down. It could have been the turning point [in the game].”

Andros Townsend hailed the attitude of the side that managed to turn the tie around and book Tottenham’s place in the last 16.

He told the club’s website: “We were looking to start fast and we were playing well, but unfortunately we just couldn’t get the breakthrough.

“Then in the first few minutes of the second half, to go 1-0 down was a massive blow to us. But it was great character on show from the lads to get the three goals we needed and it’s a fantastic result.”

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.